Holbrook expresses interest in NRL star

St. Helens head coach Justin Holbrook has expressed his interest in North Queensland Cowboys full-back Lachlan Coote.

Lachlan Coote has had a turbulent time of late, with injuries leading him to losing his consistent spot in the no. 1 shirt but it seems Holbrook still sees the potential of the 28 year old and wants him to join the St. Helens side for 2019.

A Scottish international, Coote played a vital role in the 18-18 draw against New Zealand in the 2016 Four Nations competition but was ruled out of the 2017 World Cup with an injury.

He has played in two NRL Grand Finals, including the famous 17-16 victory over the Brisbane broncos, in a season where he became the secondary playmaker behind Dally M medal winner Jonathan Thurston.

This interest in the full-back adds further uncertainty to the future of Ben Barba, with many articles being released that the star full-back wishes to return to Australia before the end of his contract. Coote may be looked at as a direct replacement for the Saints key man.

It would take an almighty effort to replace Barba if that is indeed the role he is set to play, but it wouldn’t be the first time that Coote has had to battle with the reputation of his predecessor with his move to North Queensland being at the cost of legendary full-back Matt Bowen.